MASON CITY – In a campaign that began just hours ago, Max Weaver has launched a bid to become Mayor of Mason City.
Weaver garnered about 288 signatures in that short amount of time, sending a chorus of volunteers into the community to help his effort.
“I will have a more formal presentation regarding my platform and my campaign committee in the next few days,” Mr. Weaver said. “Please be patient. We will address all your questions.”
Mayor Eric Bookmeyer launched his campaign a couple of weeks ago. Quinn Symonds joined the race late Thursday afternoon.
107 thoughts on “Max Weaver files official papers to become candidate for Mason City Mayor”
When are any debates?
This will tell who deserves to be mayor. And it ain’t bookmeyer or the kid.
Good job! Thank you. I had not read it any where else. I agree experience means everything.
Vote Max
Quinn you haven’t answered the big questions….
Were you ARRESTED and why and WHERE do you really live?
Vote Max
Those aren’t big questions and I have answered them. I live in Mason City, and yes I was.
@caught-I think you are wrong here. Quinn did answer your questions but not in this article. I do remember reading it. I really don’t think it is necessary to bash the hell out of the guy this way. I for one give him credit for standing up and running. I will vote for Max because Max has much more experience and I think he has a much better chance of beating Bookie.
I’m excited that Max is running & really hope he wins!!!! He’s the only former council member that a citizen could count on & additionally he is always friendly; always willing to listen to concern & ideas. GO MAX!!!!!
Hopefully the candidates will all outline their positions and speak in depth on what they plan to do if elected.
Public office is a challenge. Good intentions, a willingness to listen all sound nice but city government is complex. There are so many laws to follow, so much research to do and tough decisions to make. Decisions that go way beyond throw the bum out, no more money for city hall, bring more jobs to town. If it was easy our property taxes would be reduced, all the streets would be paved, 20 new businesses would open their doors every month and Peter Children would have another dozen women in his harem. No it’s not all that easy. Well with one exception-it’s real easy to bitch, complain, jab someone or point the finger at something. Have yet to see any of your whiners propose meaningful in depth solutions or suggestions. No you just bitch and moan and complain. And for that I will acknowledge that you are overqualified in every aspect of those offerings.
The choice was made the people of Mason City voted. They will have voice again. Its just we have to choose between graffiti and someone who can’t get anybody to go on a bike ride.
We see mr liberty you are in favor of spending lot’s of money on art with no creativity. Tell that to the people who Max let do their own thing at his garden. He INCLUDES anyone. You think WE had a choice as to what went in up town? NOOOO.
Put that one to bed….Prime example of who really is thinking of other people and who doesn’t really give a hoot what we want.
Weaver all the time Weaver all the way!
I find it funny that no candidat for mayor has a job. I can’t say I’m a fan of any of the candidates. However, if I have to choose looking at at the improvements up town or Max’s garden I will take up town.
I’m a full time college student and a single father. I am looking for a part time job however 🙂
“A mayor in a council strong government has veto power and is also the one who signs all the permits.”
Share with us where the Mayor would get the power to veto Council approved matters.
Max Weaver isn’t the only one that does his homework. Mason City code says mayor has all the powers bestowed to mayors in Iowa. Iowa code says that a mayor can veto a bill however cannot during a city council meeting. He or she must submit it in writing to the council within 14 days and they can choose to agree or revote within 30 days. I’ve said it in other blogs, here’s your proof.
http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?category=billinfo&service=IowaCode&ga=83&input=380.
380.6 EFFECTIVE DATE.
Measures passed by the council become effective in one of the
following ways:
1. a. An ordinance or amendment signed by the mayor becomes
effective when the ordinance or a summary of the ordinance is
published, as provided in section 380.7, subsection 3, unless a
subsequent effective date is provided within the ordinance or
amendment.
b. A resolution signed by the mayor becomes effective
immediately upon signing.
c. A motion becomes effective immediately upon passage of the
motion by the council.
2. The mayor may veto an ordinance, amendment, or resolution
within fourteen days after passage. The mayor shall explain the
reasons for the veto in a written message to the council at the time
of the veto. Within thirty days after the mayor’s veto, the council
may pass the measure again by a vote of not less than two- thirds of
all of the members of the council. If the mayor vetoes an ordinance,
amendment, or resolution and the council repasses the measure after
the mayor’s veto, a resolution becomes effective immediately upon
repassage, and an ordinance or amendment becomes a law when the
ordinance or a summary of the ordinance is published, unless a
subsequent effective date is provided within the ordinance or
amendment.
3. If the mayor takes no action on an ordinance, amendment, or
resolution, a resolution becomes effective fourteen days after the
date of passage and an ordinance or amendment becomes a law when the
ordinance or a summary of the ordinance is published, but not sooner
than fourteen days after the date of passage, unless a subsequent
effective date is provided within the ordinance or amendment.
We would be better off putting goofy in office than any of the clowns running. The town is a joke people find Mason City Council to be a circus.
You are suggesting that you would be a better choice? So why aren’t you running then?
You won’t like what I’m saying, but Bookmeyer will win a second term. Why? Because the people in this city love to complain & gossip, but they do NOT like to take fifteen minutes out of their day to vote. It’s just too much bother, too much work, not convenient, etc.
Just wait. The ones crying the loudest after election day will be the ones who did NOT bother to vote. It’s a sorry fact of life in this town.
Max may not be as shrewd as some people would like, but Mason City is not complex, either. He will do fine.
Max, you’ll make a fine mayor… a shot in the arm that Mason City badly needs.
If Symmonds doesn’t step down from running, his votes could be the ones that cause Max to lose. Please Mr.Symmonds, for the sake of this city, get out of the race.
It doesnt matter my friend. Bookmeyer is finished. The City Hall employees are planning a party and the cronies are trying to twist arms and spread lies about the Honorable Mayor Maxwell Weaver. I like the sound of that
So very happy to hear that we have a race on our hands.
Interesting note to all you political watchers out there. Heard last nite at the Quarry that Bookmeyer is scared and some insider says that Max will win 2-1.
I truely believe Bookmeyer will lose in a landslide and most people inside the ‘cultural crest’ know this. Mason City is made up of working class, older people. Can you imagine the sitting Mayor trying to connect with those people? NO. If 30 -35% of the voters come out then that 2% elite people will look like they have egg on there face election day.
First off, the loser of the mayors race is politically
Dead. No offense Quinn but it’s not going to happen
The real question of the election is does mason city
Citizen’s vote and if do max has baggage, bookmeyer
Has plenty of baggage and made a few too many
Enemies along the way. So it will interesting a vote
For max is like a vote for taking back the city
From what I have heard and voting for bookmeyer
Is like voting for more of the cultural elite’s crowd
Agenda . Time will tell. My personal opinion
Is a cleaned up, mellowed out max would be a
Great mayor. Just one guys opinion.
I for another one am glad that Max Weaver is running for mayor! He does want the best for Mason City and it’s residents. He does research a topic to give sound input at the council meetings. He doesn’t want to spend the taxpayer’s money on frivolous spending. Yes, when he was in before, maybe he did lose his temper or say something that could have been said in a different way, but who hasn’t when they have become irritated with a situation? One thing is for sure, he won’t belittle, humiliate or disrespect his elders!!! For that alone Max would get my vote! Good Luck Max! I am looking forward to you as Mayor!
Well said!
Good luck Max 🙂
go max go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am calling it a tight race, and am favoring Max. Mr. Symonds brings nothing to the table as far as I am concerned.
I would have to respectfully disagree. None of the other candidates have ideas to bring new jobs, lower expenditures, increase tax revenue, help small businesses and normal working folks. This guy does. So far the other candidates are running on reputation alone, depending on who you ask isn’t typically that highly regarded. I ask that you ask the other candidates what their ideas are before you make that judgement.
Personal baggage aside, experience in government, how things work, is important as a leader.
The role of Mayor is not an entry level position. It should be approached as a step up from another level of service to the community.
Other requisites includes how to set realistic priorities for the community based on needs of it’s citizens.
Whitewash is nice, but hardly cures the rotten base it is put on.
Since Mason City has a weak-Mayor system, the position is mostly symbolic. Yet personal reputation does come into play in the eyes of citizens, both on and off the job.
Thus far, you do not appear to bring to the table of public opinion any of those qualities.
I have plenty of business management experience where I was quite successful. Majority of my experience was spent making other stores as successful as mine. Neither of the other candidates have that kind of experience as far as I am aware of. And the mayor has more responsibility and power than just being a figurehead. A mayor in a council strong government has veto power and is also the one who signs all the permits. A good mayor will also work with the people, council and community organizations to help shape good policy.
What’s come here anyway? What has the current team done lately?
Come on people not much has went on or changed in the category you all want to think about. Bookmeyer and clan haven’t done crap. Except for the poor decisions they have pulled off. Maybe all of you think getting charged for questions or spending your money on moving around offices or partying at the club are the solid things to do. You get to do that anyway with or without Bookmeyer.
Either way this group hasn’t done anything real positive or special. All Bookmeyer could spin was some nasty words and then ask for money. W H A A T ?
You Weaver haters might be surprised..give it a shot this time and if not then out he would go too.
Weaver does care, he loves where he grew up. Bookmeyer isnt from here and has no real love for the place anyway.
Guess what else? Max is a boat load of fun!
Vote Max
I love Max to death, but I think unless he changes his tune, he would scare away potential businesses willing to relocate here.
Good luck Max. Good luck Matt. I am glad somebody is stepping up so the citizens have more than one person to vote for. Chris Watts and I did it last year now it is your turn. Good luck and please people get out and vote.
Way to go MAX, You just stymied economic development in Mason City. How the heck are the Mayor’s cronies going to get there TIF $, forgivable loans and easy contract jobs. Oh my
MAYOR MAX !!!!!!
One of the nicest guys I know….he’ll tell ya alright he’ll tell you exactly what side to butter your bread. Which we all are looking for that’s for sure…what the hell to do, WHAT DO WE DO?! He will do the RIGHT THING every time.
He knows this sweet little town inside and out. Politcally and for fun. And he cares. He honestly cares what happens to any single person. The current mayor hardly, the other boy well he’s is exactly that.
So rally folks and VOTE for MAX!!!!
PLEASE people —– get out and vote —- Max for Mayor !!!!
Ben exactly how is that? Screwed? Really? Can’t find 2 nicer guys really and who will listen to ALL sides and they aren’t drunks and don’t blow all kinds of money for silly crap..and many many things that Bookmeyer or Solberg aren’t.
Do you really think they have done a good job? Seriously do want your money spent fixing offices and a guy who truly only likes certain people? What does that tell you? Are you the same way maybe? You probably are because not many people would frown upon an open minded, let’s help everyone somehow kind of guy like Max.
If Max and Matt are in the city council at the same time……..we are all screwed !!
@Ben-Maybe you should bend over and start packing right now.
Ben, all due respect, but Mr. Weaver is running for Mayor, so both of us serving on the council at the same time in the next 4 years is impossible. Appreciate your sophisticated and intelligent post.
Matt, that just shows you how un-educated non voters are.
Actually it just shows how Matt will treat people that don’t agree with him. Not much different than what we have.
Ben, I am sorry but you have no clue about the difference in Mayor and Council. The Mayor has no vote with the exeption of a tie. Also he can make changes to the format of meetings.
Finally a step forward for this town. Max always stood up for the people of this city! He did his homework and would always look into things . He did what was best for this town. He was a dam good councilmanand and he will make a dam good mayor! Been waiting for this day! VOTE MAX and get this city back on track!
This just in….why don’t you take the time to hear Max. Talk to him.
Sorry but these other guys have no idea about Mason City and it’s history. Starting there. Max could give a shit about nice new office space and doesn’t drink. That’s a real good start. And some clues.
Thanks for stepping up to the plate Max. It will be nice to get someone in there that is for the people and not just a select few with a personal agenda. Best of luck Max!
…Bookmeyer wins the election. People are forgetting there is another candidate running as well. My family and I had the pleasure of meeting him over the weekend with his brother while he was collecting signatures. I had heard of him from reading his blogs on here. When he showed up my wife and I grilled him. We are traditional conservatives that almost always vote republican. We asked him about gun control, abortions, public schools and the likes and he smiled and answered intelligently. He made us think, and I appreciate that. Quinn definitely has our families support and I think he would do a much better job handling the city council then Max, especially with his history of outbursts and grandstanding on non-issues. I hope you all do your research before voting this year and that someone has the guts to do some real reporting.
Hi Quinny how’s Rockwell?
Quinn knows very well how to handle oither peoples money, after all he collects government checks weekly. I doubt him walking around smoking in ripped shorts and a stained hoody he was bale to get the required signatures.
Actually I got them pretty easy. Started on Friday done on Sunday. Even took my youngest brother with me, he loved the experience.
Quinn has NO shot now that Max entered the race. The majority of any votes he would have gotten will now go to Max. The split will cause Eric to win.
What is Quinns address. Evicted from house now where does he live? Is it rockwell or sheffield or where?
@city clerk-can he be mayor of Mason City when he doesn’t live here??
Folks,
Volunteer to work to elect Max Weaver.
Print this column out and the comments and take them door to door in your neighborhood.
We have to get the people out to VOTE!!!
VOTE FOR MAX, MATT, JODI AND LEONARD and send a message! None of the incumbants deserve another term, especially Bookmeyer! GET OUT and vote to take OUR city back!
You have my vote Max!!
Good for you Max. By the looks of things more people may find this more interesting then the statues uptown that the Robin Anderson and the chamber of commerce forced the tax-payers to pay for. After a year only a little over 500 people thought they mattered.
goog keep loven it. He did it and that’s that. Why can’t you comment on the couple other things mentioned….don’t you just love that bookmeyer yelled at a hair cut place oh and please DRINKING issues? Don’t you just love it! a real winner that fake. Much more to come too!
GO Mayor WEAVER!!!!!
Go Max, you have my family’s vote. We were worried no one was going to run against crooky booky. Thank you Max.Now at least we will have two honest people running for mayor and council Matt and Max. Wonderful. Go get them guys. Good luck.
GO MAX……….
If anything maybe it will draw enough interest in the election to get people off their lazy butts and get out and vote. The school bond vote had only a 15% turnout. What a disgrace.
Congrats Max! You know more about this city then anyone else! Bookmeyer isn’t even from here. 1st clue not to vote for him.
I am looking forward to being refreshed about his poor deeds while in. Like SCREAMING at a hair cut, remodeling his office(all that money!) Fights in bars! So many! All coming out !
I love how the lie that the Mayor remodeled his office or moved his office just won’t die!
It’s not a lie. Bookmeyer got it budgeted and remodeled his office.
Get with it. You are behind on your facts!
No. It’s a lie. There was remodel in City Hall but it didn’t touch the Mayor’s office nor did he move his office. You need to get your facts straight.
I call it a remodel when Bookmeyer brings his favorite wall ornament – Brent Trout – all the way downstairs so he can be watched. Built him a new office with glass walls. Hence, a remodel for Bookmeyer, and Watchdog was right.
@Watchdog-It is a shame that these people are starting to flat out lie now. What else can you expect from someone who goes by Anonymous.
Wheeew FINALLY some possible relief ! CROOKmeyer is pissed now! Like the thorn in his side. But count on it he’ll wash it away with a few drinks and ask for more more more money.
The folks that always say we need new and change it up here’s your chance..get it rotating!
HAVE to vote!
Max will make things interesting. Not sure what he could accomplish if he were to get elected. Remember the mayor only votes in case of a tie.
The Chamber is totally independent from the City. He has no more ability to fire Robin at the Chamber than you do to file for a divorce for your neighbor from his wife.
Hope to see his agenda with meaningful direction. Can’t forget how he personally said we didn’t need the state of Iowa that Mason City could deliver Toyota, ($3 billion dollars later Alabama got that) we lost the Target distribution center(College towns are the preferred site because they have an endless supply of cheap labor and labor that doesn’t require health insurance or 401 K contributions), his support of a Gentlemen’s club in Mason City and it was Max that wanted to sell the hotel on EBay.
When he addresses each of those issues in depth and presents a detailed positive community building approach I will listen very intently. I just don’t want to see Weaver and the Wackos become Mason City’s tv comedy club again. If Max can show how he will positively impact the community I would vote for him.
@Jonesy, Nicely written. Thanks for the reminders of those issues. I had basically forgotten about them.
Like you, I would consider voting for Max, so it would be nice to have answers.
Now a chance for postive change; a chance to give voice and lend an ear to the working man in this city, a chance to know that all the yes votes will stop. Please don’t stop with the mayor, elect all new council posts that are up for re-election, make your vote count, vote to make sure no homeowner will suffer the same fate as those who were sold down the river as those in the second ward were when the Mercy Hospital told Bookmeyer how it was going to be….and he and the rest of the entire council fell to their knees. Weaver will make a good Mayor, a damn good Mayor. I am voting for him. I am voting for new councilperson in my ward.
It would have been nice to see your name on the ballot too.
good for max he’s got my vote and others I’ve already talked to max is sensible piratical and is for making this community better bookmeyer has shown nothing but ignorance lack ofoo caring skills to do anything worth while for the community and address such matters as how the mcpd and county attorney conduct themselves there cars should read seek and destroy instead of serve and protect ha go max go he’s the man for a better community for all of us and dont forget matt markwart for ward go boys go
Holy crap! You have my sincere condolences on the death of your English teacher. (friction in your diction)
This city has been in a dark place all during Bookmeyer’s term. The thought of him being in office for another term is unimaginable. Please everyone get out and help defeat Bookmeter, Vote!
I don’t think Max can win a city wide election of any kind anymore. I don’t think there are that many people that upset with the direction MC has gone in the past 4 years. I do wish that better jobs could be brought to MC but if I remember right under Max’s watch we lost some opportunities for that.
You remember wrong. Max Weaver tried like hell to bring jobs to Mason City.
It was the Chamber of Commerce and the power brokers that keep discouraging employers from coming to Mason City. They don’t want the competition for wages here.
The Globe Gazette/Chamber Of Commerce/No Name Party/Shadow Government always try to blame someone else for their job destruction. Max Weaver is an easy target.
Quit drinking the cool-aid!!!
Sorry
what you sorry for. It was under Max’s watch. max did his homework and he worked hard but he was still the laughing stock of Iowa. Someone as abrasive as Max is would make a terrible mayor. I just speak the truth. Sorry if you can’t take it.
I am voting for Max, a vote for Max is a vote for everyone.
Just vote and see where we are after they are counted! Is DEFINATELY going to be interesting though!
Think about this for a minute 🙂
MAX gets elected Mayor & Bye Bye Trout and maybe Robin A. Win Win for everyone!!! Except of course the Who’s Who of Mason City.
Taxpayer,Robin A is not a City employee.
Maybe she is not a city employee but she is dictating policy in this city.
Bookmeyer will lose to Weaver! Book it!!
Could be a close one… not so fast.
Please remove the post above. I had put that Bookmeyer will NOT lose to Weaver but someone at NIT removed the NOT. If someone can’t even post there opinion stating that Bookmeyer WILL NOT LOSE to Weaver, then whats the point. If one side can be excited for Max to run, then I’m entitled to saying I don’t think he wins.
After you admit that you typed your own post wrong, maybe I will consider removing your erroneous post. Until then, you owe NIT an apology and the post stands. You said you support Max, then you say you don’t, so you are a flip-flopper or can’t type.
Max will be much better as Mayor than Bookmeyer. He only serves those with money and wanting OURS! GO MAX… You got my vote!
Max and Matt have my support. The money people always get out to vote, how do we motivate the rest of the people to make things happen?
Thank you for the words of support, much appreciated.
Max does not fit the “mold” in Mason City. Everybody else in government in Mason City is on a drunkin spending binge. After all, its very easy to spend everybody elses money!! At least in the past, Max asks why and for what before blindly spending.
Key words from Bookmeyer’s message to the people of Mason City:
“Chaos” (1)
“fought off ”
“kill”
“wildly”
“beat back”
“rejected”
“chaos” (2)
“lowest”
“lowest” (second time)
“dip to their lowest level”
“short”
“firewall”
“chaos” (3)
“lack pure motives”
“whipping out”
“whisper campaigns”
“manufactured rumors”
“malicious lies”
“nonsense”
“political parties”
“Please provide your financial and volunteer support”
“Contributions can be made out to BOOKMEYER”
Great post that says much. Thanks!
Incredible. Simply incredible. There is something wrong here. Then he wants $$$$$$. The sheer audacity.
max weaver for mayor, that would be the worse thing in Mason City history.
@Anonymous-you are sure in the minority here as most everywhere else.
Bookmeyer already has WORST Mayor distinction.
Mayour Bookmeyer is the worst left wing Hitler-Mayor Mason City has ever had.
Max Weaver is a cupcake compared to the negative behaviour of Mayor Bookmeyer.
Ask the City Employees!
VOTE MAX!!!!!!
Hello Max, remember me ? Jim I am ready to help
Go for it Max, good luck.
Love it! Go Max!
Good for you Max!
Bye bye bookmayor
GO MAXIMUS!!!
A Mayor for the People!!!
I’M IN!!!
You go Max-It should be easy to beat Bookie.